For years, TruTV's presence in the sports world has been the “must-check channel for under-the-radar March Madness games.”
That is about to change dramatically.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, TruTV's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, plans to shift its prime-time lineup to new sports programming starting March 11.
The channel, which has previously focused on reality and comedy shows, will reportedly become something of a subchannel, with TBS and TNT continuing to broadcast large-scale events. TruTV carries alternative broadcasts and simulcasts of NBA, MLB and NHL games, as well as some exclusive live games.
Basically, ESPN setting up a channel for college football and NHL overflow games, as well as setting up the home for “Peyton and Eli's Monday Night Football” and “Keirod's Sunday Night Baseball.” Imagine. Personality-based secondary broadcasts have become increasingly popular over the past few years, and we can clearly expect to see more of them here.
Or as the head of TNT Sports puts it:
“We constantly strive to create and deliver the best sports content and experiences to sports fans, wherever they are. It’s an opportunity,” said Louis Silberwasser. Chairman and CEO of TNT Sports. “Creating a prime-time block of sports programming on TruTV in addition to our existing premium live sports on TNT and TBS will create a more comprehensive sports experience for fans while creating further growth opportunities for our sports division and company. We are now a strategic partner for the business and the league.”
TNT will also air a 30-minute “TNT Sports Update” show starting at 6 p.m., a sports betting show called “The Line” starting at 6:30 p.m., and a late-night NBA-focused show called “Handles.” This will reportedly increase broadcast time for sports. .
Meanwhile, “Impractical Jokers,” a show that covers most of TruTV's schedule, is reportedly moving to TBS.
